Put It On The Menu; The Kids Will Eat It
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News from the Supermarket Guru:
Restaurants vying for family sit-down checks – many offering ‘kids eat free’ options as parental inducements in this recession – are missing a far better margin- and image-building opportunity to attract complete households:
Offer fruits, vegetables and salad items to youngsters as opposed to the seemingly unchanging (though admittedly tasty) kid fare of chicken fingers, grilled cheese, mac & cheese, you know the rest. [...]
“Our research shows parents want more nutritious options for their kids, and children are open to fruits, veggies and healthier versions of standard fare. The generic kids’ menu really doesn’t meet the needs and desires of today’s families,” says Maria Caranfa, a registered dietitian and director of Mintel Menu Insights.
But get this, the report says that:
- “More than three out of four children (77%) are open to ordering foods with vegetables.”
- “Even more (86%) would order items that contain fruit”
- “only three parents in 10 say their children eat healthfully in restaurants – even though the kids are willing to eat better”
With the obesity rates in the US projected at 41% by 2015 and an expectation that the next generation will have a higher obesity rate than the current one, it only makes sense for parents to take the active step of encouraging their kids to eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. Eating these foods in a restaurant, where people go out for “something nice”, also helps to change the mindset to reflect that such foods are high quality parts of our diet.
I don’t know if you remember, Eccentric Elaine, when you were small and we stopped in a restaurant on our way somewhere. We placed an order and the waitress assumed you would not want the vegetables. She was practically rude about it. Maybe you remember the details better than I – I do not remember what the veg was – peas?